The Redlands Student Teaching Scholarship is an annual scholarship for final-year Macquarie University teaching student that seeks to enhance educator capabilities in a real-life learning environment.
The six-month scholarship, valued at $10,000, recognises the recipient’s high achievements during their studies, their potential as an early career educator, and seeks to support career development through strengthening of key educator skills.
“The Redlands Student Teaching Scholarship is a great way for an early career educator to connect with the students, staff and families at Redlands, while developing their pedagogical practice as they embark on their career. It’s great to be able to provide an opportunity to support the growth and career development of Macquarie University students,” says Matthew Bentley, Head of Teaching and Learning at Redlands.
This year’s recipient, Elizabeth, has begun working on the Redlands Junior Campus under the mentorship of an experienced member of staff. As part of the scholarship, her responsibilities include full participation in staff professional learning programs – including staff led conferences – involvement in co-curricular life of the school, placement for final practicum, creating learning programs, planning lessons and teaching. Following the scholarship, there is also the potential to secure an ongoing role at the school.
A typical day for Elizabeth starts with a coffee walk before prepping for the day ahead, teaching her placement class, attending meetings, and debriefing with her mentor at the end of the day to plan for future lessons.
“I have been absolutely loving my time at Redlands. I have learned so much, particularly about implementing inquiry-based learning and the incredible impact this can have on a student’s learning,” says Elizabeth.
Following the scholarship, Elizabeth is looking forward to working as a classroom teacher in 2023, as well as continuing to conduct research into classroom wellbeing – an area she is particularly passionate about.